Spa at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
As you know, we at Voyage.tv like to get around. Just recently, we returned from a week-long stay on Hawaii’s Maui island and because no vacation is complete without a visit to the spa, we each booked a treatment at one of the nicest spa resorts we could find: the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea. We knew little about the resort other than what we learned from the flurry of press surrounding the filming of the upcoming Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler movie Just Go With It. That alone was reason enough to visit the spa.
We knew we were chancing it when we decided to wait to the very last minute to make our appointments, but were pleasantly surprised to find the hotel to be more than accommodating. Even when we called back to push back the time an hour, the staff was friendly and obliging. From the moment we walked through the doors, we knew we’d be taken care of. We were escorted into the spacious and well-appointed changing room which had lockers, tons of counter and vanity space stocked with products and a eucalyptus steam room to help us settle into relaxation. After our pre-massage steam, we indulged in a luxurious shower experience under a rain head and three body sprays. Usually I need a handbook to operate a shower tower, but with the Toto shower, I could turn it on with a touch of a button. Aside from the pre-requisite cucumber water, they also had dried mango and coconut for snacking—a delicious treat for before and after treatments.
Once showered, refreshed and undressed, we were taken into our respective massage rooms. I was excited to learn that I could pick from three kinds of music for my soundtrack—Hawaiian, Classical, or New Age. Of course, I went with Hawaiian because who knows when that will be an option again. I opted for a standard massage, though the spa specializes in locally-themed treatments like the Hawaiian-style Lomi Pohaku, which incorporates healing stones. For my treatment, I was also able to choose from different scents of either lotion or oil. My therapist was very attentive, asking which areas she should work on and making sure the pressure was good for me throughout the massage. What’s more, I could decide halfway through if I wanted an extra add-on like a scalp or foot rub.
All in all, the prices were typical of a high-end resort spa—expensive but not overpriced. Both Erika and I came out of our treatments feeling both rejuvenated and relaxed and although we never did see Jennifer or Adam, we quickly understood why the Four Seasons is a celebrity favorite.
Unveiling Our Newest New York Signature Programs
If you’re eager to discover even more New York programming from us here at Voyage.tv, you’re in luck. This week we’re excited to bring you two new signature programs straight from the heart of Manhattan.
In Village Underground our production team ventured to the West Village to duck inside Hotel Griffou, a cozy speak-easy style restaurant plating up seasonal French-inspired dishes and mixing inventive cocktails. With our inside look you get to hear from the owners themselves who share with us the restaurant’s history as a 19th-century boarding house where famed artists and writers of the day used to gather to exchange ideas over drinks. We take a peek inside themed dining rooms like The Salon, The Library and The Palm Terrace where varied lighting and decor create an ambiance to suit any mood. Hotel Griffou’s executive pastry chef recommends some of her favorite sweets from the menu, and the bartender reveals the nightspot’s creative drink blends, mixing up the aptly named Writer’s Block Tonic.
Next up, our production team headed to Devachan Salon and Departure Lounge in SoHo to film our Best Tressed video, a must-see for all curly girls out there. Here owner Lorraine Massey gives us the lowdown on her inspiration for the hair salon and spa, familiar with the woes of taming unruly locks as a curly girl herself. In this original video she shares all the salon’s innovative tips and technique’s for cutting, washing, coloring and styling both straight and curly hair, and our host Paula Garces even gets to take part in the “curl-volution” with her own hair makeover. (Take a look at our Production Manager Jessie Warner’s behind-the-scenes post for even more details on this segment.)
Check out these brand new signature programs at Voyage.tv today! –Lisa Bonarrigo
Why Not Spa In Napa? A Look At Calistoga Ranch
You’re in need of a weekend getaway. Something domestic, secluded and indulgent. A girls’ trip, or maybe a couples retreat. Sounds like it’s time to spa. While the first destination to come to mind for many would be Arizona, I say why not spa in Napa? Wine country is always heavenly, and the Calistoga Ranch, An Auberge Resort, takes that experience to the next level. Tucked into a private canyon in the Upper Napa Valley, just outside the historic town of Calistoga — one of the original spa towns in the nation — the 46-room luxury resort is located on a 157-acre site marked by ancient oaks, majestic hills, a rock-hewn stream and private lake. The resort captures the rich culture of wine, food and nature inherent to the region, and offers guests a collection of indoor and outdoor spaces that allows one to fully experience the pristine setting.
The ranch is famous for its Bathhouse Spa. Known for the classic Calistoga spa experience, and the tradition of “taking the waters,” this bastion of luxury and sophistication continues to attract those looking to experience its curative powers. Soaking pools overlook the creek and moss laden oaks, creating the perfect atmosphere to begin a private and personal journey of relaxation.
Travel & Leisure describes Calistoga as, “a summer camp for pampered adults, with copper-trimmed cedar cabins serving as stylish bunkhouses. Cars are not allowed on the property, therefore guests—including robed couples en route to the Bathhouse spa— are escorted about in golf carts. Morning yoga takes place in the wine cave, and after a soak in a mineral pool, guests keep warm under handwoven chenille throws in front of outdoor fireplaces. Staff will pour you an in-room tubful of the restorative mud that has been drawing wellness seekers to the area for 150 years.”
With seasonal packages to fit your fancy such as “Rest & Renew”, “Rekindle The Romance” and “The Vinotherapy Spa Package” (among others) ranging from $800-$4000 per night, this resort is sure to remain uber-exclusive. Heavenly, indeed.
Visit Calistoga Ranch on the web to book your escape.
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